Rum: the phrase conjures pictures of swashbuckling pirates, tropical islands, and candy, sticky cocktails. However do you know Britain has its personal deep and interesting historical past with this spirit? Neglect the Queen’s tea, let’s discover the grog-glorious previous of British rum!
From Pirates to the Royal Navy: A Rum Journey Begins
Our story begins within the seventeenth century, when the British had been busy buying a style for rum, because of their swashbuckling brethren, the pirates. These seafaring rogues usually plundered ships laden with rum from the Caribbean, and a few of it inevitably discovered its means into British ports. However wait, weren’t pirates the dangerous guys? Effectively, not precisely in the case of rum – they unknowingly launched Britain to this scrumptious drink!
Seeing the potential in rum, the British began importing it themselves, primarily to be used of their colonies. Nevertheless, a humorous factor occurred – the Royal Navy, recognized for its robust sailors, found rum’s potential as a morale booster (and maybe a technique to neglect the cruel realities of life at sea). In 1673, rum formally changed French brandy because the sailors’ every day ration, endlessly altering naval historical past (and doubtless just a few hangovers).
Grog Glory: The Rise of Navy Rum
However maintain your horses, mateys! This wasn’t your fancy sipping rum. Navy Rum, because it was referred to as, was a unique beast altogether. This potent concoction, sometimes round 57% alcohol by quantity (robust sufficient to knock a kraken off its ship!), was chosen for its sturdiness throughout lengthy voyages and its means to be simply diluted with water – a apply often called “grogging.” Admiral Edward Vernon, recognized for his love of a very good cloak (and a diluted drink!), is credited with popularizing grog by diluting the rum ration to stop drunkenness amongst his sailors.
From Ration to Revolution: Rum’s Shocking Function
Rum wasn’t nearly preserving sailors comfortable. It turned a priceless commodity, even enjoying a component in historic occasions. The notorious Sugar Act of 1764, which closely taxed molasses (a key ingredient in rum manufacturing), sparked outrage within the American colonies. This “taxation with out illustration” fueled the flames of the American Revolution, proving rum’s influence went past simply being a tasty drink.
Past the Barrel: British Rum’s Legacy
Whereas the Royal Navy stopped issuing rum rations in 1970, Britain’s love affair with rum continued. London turned a hub for mixing and ageing Caribbean rums, giving delivery to iconic manufacturers like Lemon Hart and Lamb’s Navy Rum. Right now, the British rum scene is experiencing a revival, with a rising variety of craft distilleries placing their very own distinctive spin on the spirit.
So, there you could have it, mateys! From its piratical beginnings to its function in shaping historical past, rum has left its mark on British tradition. So subsequent time you increase a glass of this golden liquor, bear in mind the wealthy and boozy journey it took to succeed in your lips!
Bonus Enjoyable Reality: The time period “Navy Energy” rum, nonetheless used at present, refers back to the unique power of British Navy Rum – robust sufficient to climate any storm, each literal and metaphorical!
Go to us at The Rum Home
Our latest venue within the coronary heart of Strattord, East London. Constructed over three flooring, together with a rooftop terrace, cocktail bar and shortly to be opened rum distillery. Go to us at present.
